Societal Influences Chapter 12

The key socializing agents for children  The family…influences every aspect of a child’s development…the most significant socializing agent for most kids through elementary school  Peer groups…by middle school, many kids question family values and attitudes and choose the habits, language, and rituals of peers

Socializing Agents  Television…the media has significant impact on attitudes toward violence, sex roles, consumerism, and sexuality  Religion…Most families (nearly 80%) say that religion has a significant influence in their lives  Schools…prepare kids for the world of work, help them become citizens, and reach their potential

Social Issues Affecting Students  Changing family structure…single parents, dual careers, blended, homeless, gay and lesbian families  Poverty…about 20% of families live in poverty, usually affecting schooling negatively  Teen pregnancy…America leads all industrialized nations in teen pregnancy

Social Issues Affecting Students  AIDS…a significant healthy issue in the lives of families and schools  Child abuse and neglect…deep emotional trauma often influencing school performance  Alcohol and drugs…many potential social and school problems  Suicide…second leading cause of death for ages 15 through 19

Social Issues Affecting Students  Violence…among students and directed toward teachers is a growing concern nationally  School dropouts…rates are down somewhat, but effects are even greater for school dropouts

Incidence of Child abuse and neglect  Neglect…63% of total  Physical abuse…19% of total  Sexual abuse…10% of total  Psychological abuse…8% of total

How teachers can respond to social issues  Taking time for relationship building  Accommodating family differences  Knowing the warning signs  Understanding legal and school- mandated responsibilities  Being aware of resources  Identifying your own personal limits

School’s response to social issues  Student and family support…free and reduced breakfasts and lunches, vocational counseling, before and after school care, medical and dental care  Educational awareness programs  Implementing rules and procedures  Counseling  Alternative education

Society’s influence on schooling  Determining purposes…three main purposes of schooling  1. preparing students for the workforce  2. creative effective citizens  3. facilitating personal growth

Society’s influence on schooling  Establishing values…the value placed on different aspects of the curriculum, e.g. the sciences, the arts, the gifted  The value placed on diversity  The value placed on equal educational opportunity